at the first sign
idiom
: as soon as something happens that indicates an action or event has begun to take place
The bartender called the police at the first sign of trouble.
At the first sign of spring she planted annuals in her flower beds.
Examples of at the first sign in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Smart leak detectors can be positioned near appliances or under sinks to alert you at the first sign of a problem.
—
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Aug. 2025
However, coral snakes are generally shy and elusive, tending to retreat at the first sign of danger rather than confront threats like pit vipers do.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
In the meantime, those living along the Guadalupe River are advised to prepare for possible evacuation and to move to higher ground at the first sign of rising water.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
Move indoors at the first sign of threatening skies or the first sound of thunder.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for at the first sign
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Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Aug. 2025
However, coral snakes are generally shy and elusive, tending to retreat at the first sign of danger rather than confront threats like pit vipers do.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
In the meantime, those living along the Guadalupe River are advised to prepare for possible evacuation and to move to higher ground at the first sign of rising water.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
Move indoors at the first sign of threatening skies or the first sound of thunder.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for at the first sign
Cite this Entry
“At the first sign.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20first%20sign. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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